Germany's defence minister seeks Ukraine weapons partnership

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has arrived in Ukraine for official talks aimed at deepening military cooperation between Berlin and Kyiv, German public broadcaster Tagesschau reported.

Central to the discussions is the joint development and production of unmanned weapons systems, an area that has grown increasingly critical to modern warfare and to Ukraine's ongoing defence against Russian forces. The visit underscores Germany's intent to move beyond arms deliveries toward a more structured, long-term industrial partnership with Ukraine.

The talks are focused on strengthening the broader German-Ukrainian defence partnership, with unmanned systems representing a key pillar of that collaboration. Drone and autonomous weapons technology has become a defining feature of the conflict, and Berlin's willingness to co-develop such systems marks a notable evolution in its approach to supporting Kyiv.

The visit signals a strategic shift in German policy, positioning Germany as not merely a supplier of military hardware but as a partner in Ukraine's longer-term defence industry development and military modernisation efforts.